The present invention relates to dentifrice compositions comprising spherical, anhydrous, amorphous, silica gel particles having a pore volume of less than 0.1 ml/g and an orally acceptable carrier. Such compositions can effectively clean, polish and remove stains from the surface of teeth or dentures without a high degree of abrasion thereby reducing scratching and damage to the tooth or denture surface. Such compositions thereby provide superior cleaning, polishing, gentle stain removal and whitening of tooth surfaces or dentures.